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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
The dreaded 'Valve Stem Seal' issue
- Thread starter Onyx
- Start date
Ashiel
Member
Iceman12596
///Member
Onyx said:
Go to Chris at CCD, BMW Specialist
Onyx said:
There is a specific tool needed to do it without removing the head. So the generic shops that do not specialize in doing BMWs, will probably not have invested in this tool and will remove the head to do the seal job.
R14k sounds like a lot to me. Mine was a lot less...but it was on a 4cyl.
Preshen14
Events Organiser
Yes your head does not need to be removed to change Valve Stem Seals, In fact it will be better to do it while the head is on.
However due to most people not having the tool, only some people can do it. John from Bosch is one of them that can do this without stripping your head.
I guess that your car is burning a bit of oil, smoking and loss of compression? 9 times out of 10 changing your Valve stem seals should work/help but it may not be a permanent fix all the time or the only issue. To spend 14k and then wonder whether it could be your rings instead can be painful.
I need to change mine, but doing an entire overhaul works out cheaper than changing parts individually since the engine will be stripped in any case. It is nice having peace of mind.
What stopped me from doing just the seals is when I called BMW, They quoted me R850.00 for all 24 seals and Goldwagen was about R350.00 if I am not mistaken. Looking at the cost of the part from BMW and then looking at how much you paying someone to do it, I just did not get it. Over 10k labour to replace seals, something you can do without stripping your head?
Most people probably do not bother to query about how much these seals actual are when they see a big quote.
My advice, If you can DIY your seals buy them from an agent and it will be worthwhile changing but to just replace seals for 14k is hectic (That is the price in most places so it is not like the person that gave you the quote is robbing you).
And remember, I am not saying it won't help but phone Goldwagen or an Agent and find out how much seals are for your car. I got a quote to overhaul my entire motor for a few grands more than just replacing seals. So that is what I am going to be doing...
EDIT : I am sure for 14k it is not just seals, you get a few gaskets changed, etc. But I still prefer doing an Overhaul unless I am 200% sure it is just seals or that my mileage is still low.
However due to most people not having the tool, only some people can do it. John from Bosch is one of them that can do this without stripping your head.
I guess that your car is burning a bit of oil, smoking and loss of compression? 9 times out of 10 changing your Valve stem seals should work/help but it may not be a permanent fix all the time or the only issue. To spend 14k and then wonder whether it could be your rings instead can be painful.
I need to change mine, but doing an entire overhaul works out cheaper than changing parts individually since the engine will be stripped in any case. It is nice having peace of mind.
What stopped me from doing just the seals is when I called BMW, They quoted me R850.00 for all 24 seals and Goldwagen was about R350.00 if I am not mistaken. Looking at the cost of the part from BMW and then looking at how much you paying someone to do it, I just did not get it. Over 10k labour to replace seals, something you can do without stripping your head?
Most people probably do not bother to query about how much these seals actual are when they see a big quote.
My advice, If you can DIY your seals buy them from an agent and it will be worthwhile changing but to just replace seals for 14k is hectic (That is the price in most places so it is not like the person that gave you the quote is robbing you).
And remember, I am not saying it won't help but phone Goldwagen or an Agent and find out how much seals are for your car. I got a quote to overhaul my entire motor for a few grands more than just replacing seals. So that is what I am going to be doing...
EDIT : I am sure for 14k it is not just seals, you get a few gaskets changed, etc. But I still prefer doing an Overhaul unless I am 200% sure it is just seals or that my mileage is still low.
Technician
Well-known member
did the valve stem seals on the 120i, was quick and easy and made a huge visual difference.
think i paid around 6-7k
well worth it.
think i paid around 6-7k
well worth it.
